As the Basic Center Program Director at Park Place Youth Emergency Shelter, I find it important to bring in individuals that can connect with the youth on multiple levels. When planning programming for our youth, I look for presenters who can be funny, serious, inspiring, and motivational. Ms. Shanice Lawrence is all these things and more. Ms. Lawrence engages the youth, she makes them laugh, she makes them thing about their own lives and she reminds them to enjoy life. 

It only takes one encounter with Ms. Lawrence and you will know she is in tune with the youth enough to understand, not only what they want to hear, but what they need to hear. Her heart belongs to youth activities and that authenticity permeates in everything she does. Her dynamic, approaching, and welcoming personality, along with her talks and activities is a program directors dream. 

“Thank you Ms. Lawrence!! You were amazing!! Debriefing with our youth was a true joy!! The kids talked about your presentation for almost a week, definitely a home-run!!” 

The presentation was flawless. Shanice had my full attention from beginning to end. I loved how confident and passionate she was about what she spoke about. I actually admired it. I could tell every tip she gave was from her own experience and that gave me hope that whatever I am going through I will get through. My greatest takeaway from her presentation was that my light may be a little dim right now, but when I realize my worth my light will shine so bright that it will surpass human understanding. Thank you for sharing your gift with us, Shanice!

The presentation was excellent. Shanice is definitely a motivational speaker. Her attitude and confidence is amazing. She has given me a new purpose in life.

Shanice has demonstrated herself to be a very integral part of our team, with her strong work ethic, dedication to her students and engaging presentation skills, she has proven to be quite an asset. I have seen her extend herself to be flexible and available for her students, just in time when they need her and when she can’t, she finds someone who can, instilling a trust in her students to feel perpetually supported. When I speak with her students, it is obvious how much she has positively impacted them and coached them to be academically productive. Her coaching is not only limited to students as she has facilitated presentations, activities and even games to train our team to work with new tools and apply new strategies to their student-mentoring. Furthermore, her cheerful positivity and infectious enthusiasm make it a delightful experience to work alongside her, as well as learn from her. Any organization would certainly be quite fortunate to have her within their ranks.

Pivotal is the only word that I could use to describe Shanice’s influence on my life. Crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else. Shanice continues to be my northern star, mentoring me through critical times and a trusted confidant advising me through difficult decisions. Further, it is my deepest gratitude that her influence and contributions continue to open doors in my life including but not limited to career opportunities and acceptance into highly competitive programs. However, the aspect I appreciate the most is her friendship. Shanice, thank you for being you, because you are amazing!

Shanice is an excellent orator and presenter. I had the pleasure to work with her for a short while as a colleague on a mentoring team and enjoyed working with her. Her professional coaching and presentation skills made for an successful member of our faculty and a true asset to our students.

Mrs. Lawrence was my mentor for a period of time at school. She was the greatest mentor I have recieved and I loved getting to talk to her each week. She encouraged me and helped me set academic goals to keep me moving forward at a good pace. I was so grateful that she cared about my personal life and was so understanding of what I was going through. Her compassion really helped me feel accepted and motivated me to continue moving forward. I loved my time with her!!

Shanice has been my mentor for one year at school. She is the instrument that has gotten me as far as I am in my degree. Shanice has pushed me so much that I have been able to accelerate through my degree. When I didn’t think I could keep going and wanted to quit, she never let me do it. She has motivated me and has been a blessing in my school career. Shanice has shown a deep knowledge of her field and a natural ability to share her expertise in a pleasant, polite, and respectable manner. Although our association lasted for just a year, I have learned from her more than I could ever expect. She has helped me stop overthinking and help me become a more organized and goal-minded individual.